Researchers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University have announced a promising advancement in hospital surface disinfection. Their approach delivers longer-lasting protection against common pathogens, potentially reducing infection risks in medical facilities. This update comes from the institution after evaluating the new method in controlled experiments and sharing details with concerned stakeholders.
The team developed a polymer-based composition that incorporates zinc and copper salts as antibacterial agents. In this formulation, metal nanoparticles are embedded within polyacrylamide, a polymer known for its gel-forming properties that helps to create effective films on surfaces. This combination is designed to interact with microbial cells in a way that enhances disinfection while maintaining the integrity of treated materials.
To test the material, researchers selected multiple strains of pathogenic microorganisms and exposed them to copper and zinc solutions dispersed in a polymer medium at concentrations ranging from 0.075% to 5%. The experiments aimed to observe how the metal-infused polymer influences microbial growth, surface adhesion, and overall disinfection efficacy under realistic conditions.
Findings indicate that polyacrylamide on its own does not support the growth of common hospital pathogens, while the embedded metal nanoparticles significantly hinder bacterial activity. Moreover, the polymer base appears to expand the effective coverage area of disinfection, allowing larger surface regions to be homes for reduced pathogen viability. The team emphasized that this specific polymer-metal composite represents a novel approach that has not been deployed elsewhere before, marking a potential step forward in infection control practices.
Earlier research in Russia explored a distinct coating capable of disinfection through light exposure, offering another avenue for surface sterilization. This contemporary study adds to the wider field by combining polymer science with metal antimicrobial agents to achieve sustained protective effects.